Ron Burkle

Managing Partner, Yucaipa Cos.

Investor and philanthropist Ron Burkle founded Yucaipa Cos., an investment firm focusing on the retail, manufacturing, distribution, and hospitality industries, in 1986. He has served as chairman and controlling shareholder of numerous companies, including Alliance Entertainment, Golden State Foods, Dominick’s, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Food4Less. Burkle is co-chairman of the Burkle Center for International Relations at UCLA and founder of the Ronald Burkle Foundation. He is a trustee of the Carter Center, National Urban League, Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy, and AIDS Project Los Angeles. Burkle was the founder and chairman of the Ralphs/Food4Less Foundation and the Fred Meyer Inc. Foundation.